Few designers have blended Minimalism and Surrealism into artistic furniture as successfully as Shiro Kuramata. His experimentation with form, function, color and motif informed cabinets, chairs and side tables that are as mystifying as they are visually striking.
Born in Tokyo in 1934, Kuruamata studied at the Kuwasawa Design School. In the 1970s and ’80s, he explored industrial materials in his designs. Inspired by Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, Kuramata produced irreverent and bold work. In 1981, Kuramata joined Sottsass in his founding of the Memphis Group, named for a Bob Dylan song. The Milan-based collective aimed to turn the status quo on its head and redefine what was considered appealing in modern furniture style.
His experience with the Memphis Group led Kuramata to embrace unconventional optical effects. No piece embodies this more skillfully than the Miss Blanche chair. Crafted with transparent resin and flecked with rose-petal flecks, it gives the illusion that the sitter is floating.
The How High the Moon armchair is a prime example of his playful nature and willingness to challenge the expectations for furniture design. Including shards of colored glass in concrete surfaces, his “star piece” material was prevalent throughout his work, giving the tops of his end tables and coffee tables a brazen, gem-encrusted appearance. His daring approach to design can also be seen in pieces like his sheer glass bookcases with their seemingly fragile shelves.
Kuramata created many visual delights before his death in 1991. His work is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His pieces remain highly prized by collectors and design enthusiasts worldwide.
On 1stDibs, explore a selection of vintage Shiro Kuramata seating, storage pieces, decorative objects and more.
Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray2 Minimalist Japanese Design
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shiro Kuramata's ashtray1. Made of black aluminum. Rather optical art object than usual astray.
Aluminum
Shiro Kuramata Spiral Ashtray1 Minimalist Japanese Design
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shiro Kuramata's ashtray1. Made of black aluminum. Rather optical art object than usual astray.
Aluminum
$497 / item
H 5.91 in Dm 5.52 in
Contemporary Handmade Glass Serpentine Snake Ashtray Puro Liquor Deco Animal
By Simone Crestani
Located in Camisano Vicentino, IT
A meticulously hand-crafted glass ashtray by Simone Crestani, the Serpentine Ashtray is an enchanting piece from the Serpentine Collection, merging historical symbolism with modern a...
Glass
Solid Patinated English Bronze Crab Cancer Lidded Ashtray 420
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and heavy solid Bronze Ashtray in the shape of a Crab. This piece is a compliment as a decorative piece and also has a hinged top to be used as an ashtray for your perfect sm...
Bronze
Lalique French Crystal Jewelry Dish or Ashtray Leaf Design
By René Lalique, Lalique
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, signed, Lalique crystal dish with decorative leaf and indent design around edge, circa 20th century, France. Piece is from French luxury crystal maker Lalique. Made...
Crystal
Cat Brass Ashtray or Bowl
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
1950 vintage cat brass ashtray or bowl. This can be used as a sculpture too.
Brass
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Blue Sommerso Design, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous blue ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition. Dimen...
Murano Glass
1960s Murano Blue Ashtray/Vide Poche Designed by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s stunning blue ashtray / Vide Poche designed by Flavio Poli in Murano Sommerso Glass. This piece is unique and the shape and the color are amazing. Made in Italy The item is in ...
Murano Glass
Petite Vintage Hollywood Regency Chinese Ceramic Elephant Ashtray
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite mid-20th century glazed ceramic elephant Ashtray. Handmade of ceramic. Nice addition to your home, man cave or bar.
Ceramic
$545Sale Price|30% Off
H 3.55 in Dm 5.91 in
Diamond Shaped Ashtray Shining Italy Design 1960s Transparent Glass
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Diamond shaped ashtray shining Italy design 1960s transparent glass.
Murano Glass
Fontana Arte Mirrored Crystal Italian Design, 1960s Ashtray Bowl
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, IT
Fontana Arte 1960s Mirrored crystal Perfect condiction Measure: Diameter 16.5 cm, height 2.5 cm.
Crystal
Vintage Fly Ashtray in Brass, 1950s
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare and decorative ashtray in solid brass, circa 1950.
Brass
Rare Kinetic Ashtray by Yonel Lebovici, France, 1970s
By Yonel Lebovici, Atelier A
Located in Dronten, NL
Elevate your design collection with this striking kinetic ashtray by celebrated French sculptor and designer Yonel Lebovici. Crafted in the 1970s, this piece exemplifies Lebovici’s s...
Chrome
Art Deco Period Champlevé Bird Ashtray or Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Chinese Art Deco period champlevé enamel and bronze bird ashtray or sculpture, circa 1920s-1930s, China. Dimensions: 2.63" Depth x 3.25" Width...
Bronze, Enamel